Mike

Johnson

Clabo was a limited participant in practice on Friday and Saturday. He is one of the top right tackles in the league, so his loss would be significant to a line trying to stop Broncos top pass rushers Von Miller and Derek Wolfe from the left side. If Clabo can’t suit up, 2010 third-rounder Mike Johnson would fill in.

The 2010 third-rounder has been a disappointment through a year and a half, beaten out by Garrett Reynolds for the starting right guard job after training camp. There’s no word yet on the nature of Johnson’s injury.

In the battle to replace Tyson Clabo, Johnson has his nose in front of Lamar Holmes. Perhaps the Falcons prefer the more efficient pass blocker over the heavier, mauling Holmes. The competition will continue into training camp.

This directly contradicts the Falcons’ official site, which opined that second-year pro Lamar Holmes is “penciled in” on the right side after Tyson Clabo’s release. Johnson and Holmes are different players. Holmes is more of a mauler, while Johnson is lighter on his feet at 304 pounds. Neither will be handed the job.

Manley was an undrafted free agent out of Toledo last season. The Falcons have a hole at right guard, but he’s not going to compete for the starting gig when he’s out of shape. The AJC expects Garrett Reynolds to battle Mike Johnson for that right guard spot. In that scenario, Lamar Holmes would fill Tyson Clabo’s shoes at right tackle.

Johnson suffered the gruesome injury in Tuesday’s camp practice. He’ll undergo surgery next week. He was the leading candidate to replace Tyson Clabo at right tackle, leaving Lamar Holmes and Ryan Schraeder to compete for the job. Johnson faces a grueling rehab, and he’ll be a free agent after the season.

Johnson was expected to be Atlanta’s starting right tackle in 2013, but dislocated his left ankle and fractured his fibula early in training camp. 26-year-old Johnson figures to command only one-year offers with little or nothing guaranteed.

Johnson, 28, spent last year on I.R. with a Lisfranc injury. He also missed the entire 2013 season due to lower-leg issues. Johnson wouldn’t be more than a veteran flier for Miami.

Johnson missed all of 2013 with a dislocated left ankle and broken leg. A 2010 third-rounder, Johnson has made one career start. Even with the Falcons’ line woes, he should be returning as a reserve.

Johnson looked set to be the starting right tackle in Atlanta in 2013 before dislocating his left ankle and fracturing his fibula early in training camp. 26-year-old Johnson figures to command only one-year offers with little or nothing guaranteed.